UK-based steelmaker Liberty Steel Group has announced that it has produced its first steel at its Whyalla steelworks in Australia following a four-month shutdown due to operational challenges and extensive repairs at the blast furnace.
According to the statement, the blast furnace is currently running at half its capacity, while the company still has a long way to go before the plant is stable and secure as there are a number of issues yet to be resolved.
The blast furnace at the Whyalla steelworks has an annual production capacity of 1.2 million mt.
In addition, the plant’s natural gas supply will soon be disrupted for two to three weeks, which will further complicate its production operations.
